JAKARTA - Following are five facts about the Indian Ocean earthquake and tsunami that struck on Dec. 26, triggering one of the biggest humanitarian crises in decades.
MAGNITUDE
Scientists have estimated the earthquake that triggered the tsunami had a magnitude of 9.15, making it the third most powerful quake in the past 100 years and the biggest in the past 40 years. Initial estimates had put the quake at 9.0.
TOLL
The tsunami left more than 230,000 people dead or missing in 13 Indian Ocean nations. Indonesia was the worst affected, with 168,000 people in Aceh province left dead or missing as of recent estimates. Bodies continue to be found in the province.
SCIENCE
The quake was so powerful that the earth was still "ringing like a bell" months afterwards, scientists said. The quake also set records for the longest fault rupture. Scientists estimate the quake caused 1,200 km (750 miles) of faultline to slip up to about 20 metres (65 feet). The unstable faultline has since triggered hundreds of strong quakes, including one of 8.7 magnitude in March, and is likely to set off more large quakes, researchers say.
AID
According to the United Nations, donors have pledged $6.7 billion for the Indian Ocean nations affected, and about $2.7 billion of that has been contributed or committed. Indonesia alone is expected to spend around $5 billion in aid and government funds on reconstruction over the next several years.
ENVIRONMENT
The giant waves, measuring at least 10 metres (33 feet) in some places, stripped coastlines of buildings, trees and sand and dumped large amounts of debris on coral reefs. Rice paddies and wells have been ruined by salt water washing far inland and pollution of water supplies by toxic chemicals and sewage will remain a long-term problem for survivors.
REUTERS NEWS SERVICE
